Musician Vishal Dadlani questions’ indelible’ ink during BMC elections

After casting his vote yesterday in the BMC elections, the musician questioned the quality of the indelible ink, which he said faded quickly, echoing voter concerns.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections were held on Thursday, January 15. After casting his vote, musician Vishal Dadlani raised questions about the ‘indelible’ ink used during elections. He claimed the ink faded quickly, echoing voter concerns.

Vishal Dadlani raised concerns, noting that the ink had faded after casting his vote.

Singer and musician Vishal Dadlani raised concerns after casting his vote in the BMC elections, as shown in a video, when the ink on his finger had already faded. This later prompted clarifications from the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC). In an Instagram video posted on Thursday night, Vishal highlighted that the ink, meant to be indelible, was barely visible just hours after voting. “I have not tried to remove the ink. I regularly use sanitiser after shaking hands, but this is definitely not indelible ink,” he said, adding in the caption, “Can confirm, this was definitely not indelible ink. Happy to make an official statement if needed.”

Many others also question about the indelible ink.

The singer’s post echoed concerns raised by several voters, who claimed that marker pens were used instead of the standard indelible ink at some polling booths. One comment read, “Same in Nagpur, earlier the ink used to last for weeks.. Now it’s gone within a day!” Another wrote, “I raised a question after they used a marker to dot on my finger. I asked them why not ink? Why this marker? Ye tohnikaljayega… Jindagi me pehli bar marker dekhrahihu …. She replied with mild laughter, “Hume tohyehi provide kiyahai, aapko problem haitohaap election commission me complaint kijiye” (We have been given this only, if you have a problem, then complain it to the election commission). Indelible ink is applied to prevent voters from casting multiple ballots, as it usually remains visible for several days.

Earlier in the day, during the BMC elections on Thursday, Vishal Dadlani had even called out low voter turnout at the polling stations. He expressed concern over the lack of public participation. He said, “There is no trace of public here from what I can see. There are more officials inside than voters. It’s so shameful. Every Indian should feel pain seeing this. If we don’t take care of our country and take responsibility, what is happening will continue to happen.” Commenting on civic responsibility, he added, “This is your country, your city, your responsibility. Take care of it, or do whatever you are busy doing at home.”